Gastro-intestinal scope sterilization, disinfection and storage device and methods of making and using same

ABSTRACT

A gastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection and sterilization device including a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope having an insertion tube and a universal cord and an ultraviolet (UV) light assembly, wherein the UV light assembly includes a power source, a UV light box operatively connected to the power source, and first and second UV light sources operatively connected to the UV light box, wherein the first UV light source is located within an interior of the insertion tube and the second UV light source is located within an interior of the universal cord in order to disinfect and sterilize an interior of the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope lumen. Also, an external UV light source assembly is used to substantially surround a UV insertion tube assembly and the exterior of the insertion tube in order to disinfect and sterilize a portion of an exterior portion of the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to a programmable device thatcan be used in conjunction with a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope, whereinthe device is capable of disinfecting and sterilizing the GI scope byutilizing a programmable ultraviolet (UV) light source which isconnected to fiber optic cords, wherein the fiber optic cords fit insideof the GI scope lumen for the purposes of disinfecting and sterilizingthe interior of the scope lumen. Also, a programmable ultraviolet (UV)light source is placed around an exterior portion of the insertion tubeof the GI scope so as to disinfect and sterilize the exterior portion ofthe insertion tube. In this manner, the programmable UV light sourcewill be able to disinfect the scope and possibly provide sterilizationof the scope. Also, the programmable UV light source will be able to beprogrammed to provide the desired disinfection and sterilization atpredetermined times of the day. Finally, the GI scope can be stored forfuture use after the GI scope has been disinfected and sterilized.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior to the present invention, as set forth in general terms above andmore specifically below, it is known, to employ various types of liquidor chemical systems to disinfect GI scopes. Furthermore, it is knownthat GI scopes must be cleaned every seven days even if the GI scope hasnot been used. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,872 by Yabe et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,675 by Wilk et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,399,273 byMoriyama et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,640 by Kawai et al., U.S. Pat. No.7,905,831 by Noguchi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,979,738 by Hsu et al., U.S.Pat. RE43,281 by Higuma et al., and U.S. Patent Application 2017/0119915by Lin et al. While these various liquid or chemical systems fordisinfecting GI scopes may have been generally satisfactory, there isnevertheless a need for a new and improved programmable device that canbe used in conjunction with a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope, wherein thedevice is capable of disinfecting and sterilizing the GI scope byutilizing a programmable ultraviolet (UV) light source.

It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill these and other needs inthe GI scope disinfecting and sterilizing art in a manner more apparentto the skilled artisan once given the following disclosure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is a gastro-intestinal (GI)scope disinfection and sterilization device, including agastro-intestinal (GI) scope having an insertion tube having a first endand a second end, a control section such that the second end of theinsertion tube is operatively connected to the control section, auniversal cord having a first end and a second end such that the firstend of the universal cord is operatively connected to the controlsection and the second end of the insertion tube is operativelyconnected to a suction connector; and an ultraviolet (UV) lightassembly, wherein the UV light assembly further includes a power source,a first electrical extension operatively connected to the power source,a UV light box operatively connected to the first electrical extension,and first and second UV light sources operatively connected to the UVlight box, wherein each of the first and second UV light sourcesincludes a first end and a second end, wherein the first UV light sourceis located within an interior of the insertion tube and the second UVlight source is located within an interior of the universal cord inorder to disinfect and sterilize an interior of the gastro-intestinal(GI) scope.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, theultraviolet (UV) light assembly further includes a plurality of UV lightsource extensions such that one of the plurality of UV light sourceextensions is operatively to the UV light box and the first UV lightsource and the other of the plurality of UV light source extensions isoperatively to the UV light box and the second UV light source.

In another embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, eachof the first and second UV light sources further includes a UV lighthaving a tube and a plurality of UV lights located on the tube.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention,the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection and sterilization devicefurther includes a UV insertion tube assembly located over a portion ofan exterior of the insertion tube in order to disinfect and sterilize aportion of an exterior of the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope.

In a yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the presentinvention, the UV insertion tube assembly further includes an UVinsertion tube having a first end and a second end such that the UVinsertion tube is located over the portion of the exterior of theinsertion tube, a boot connector operatively connected to the first endof the UV insertion tube, and an insertion tube distal tip connectoroperatively connected to the second end of the UV insertion tube.

In a still further embodiment of the first aspect of the presentinvention, the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection andsterilization device further includes a plurality of biopsy channel andsuction connector plug covers, wherein one of the plurality of biopsychannel and suction connector plug covers is operatively connected to achannel opening on the control section and another of the plurality ofbiopsy channel and suction connector plug covers is operativelyconnected to the suction connector.

In still another embodiment of the first aspect of the presentinvention, the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection andsterilization device further includes a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UVlight source assembly hanger assembly, and a gastro-intestinal (GI)scope storage assembly located adjacent to the gastro-intestinal (GI)scope/UV light source assembly hanger assembly.

In another embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assembly hanger assemblyfurther includes a bracket, a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV lightsource assembly support operatively connected to the bracket, and abracket extension operatively connected to an end of the bracket.

In another embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection and sterilization devicefurther includes an external UV light source assembly such that theexternal UV light source assembly substantially surrounds the UVinsertion tube assembly and the exterior of the insertion tube.

A second aspect of the present invention is a device to be utilized forthe disinfection and sterilization of a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope,including: a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope having an insertion tubehaving a first end and a second end, a control section such that thesecond end of the insertion tube is operatively connected to the controlsection, a universal cord having a first end and a second end such thatthe first end of the universal cord is operatively connected to thecontrol section and the second end of the insertion tube is operativelyconnected to a suction connector; an ultraviolet (UV) light assembly,wherein the UV light assembly further includes; a power source, a firstelectrical extension operatively connected to the power source, a UVlight box operatively connected to the first electrical extension, andfirst and second UV light sources operatively connected to the UV lightbox, wherein each of the first and second UV light sources includes afirst end and a second end, wherein the first UV light source is locatedwithin an interior of the insertion tube and the second UV light sourceis located within an interior of the universal cord in order todisinfect and sterilize an interior of the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope;and a UV insertion tube assembly located over a portion of an exteriorof the insertion tube in order to disinfect and sterilize a portion ofan exterior of the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope.

In another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, theultraviolet (UV) light assembly further includes a plurality of UV lightsource extensions such that one of the plurality of UV light sourceextensions is operatively to the UV light box and the first UV lightsource and the other of the plurality of UV light source extensions isoperatively to the UV light box and the second UV light source.

In another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention,each of the first and second UV light sources further includes a UVlight having a tube and a plurality of UV lights located on the tube.

In another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, theUV insertion tube assembly further includes an UV insertion tube havinga first end and a second end such that the UV insertion tube is locatedover the portion of the exterior of the insertion tube, a boot connectoroperatively connected to the first end of the UV insertion tube, and aninsertion tube distal tip connector operatively connected to the secondend of the UV insertion tube.

In another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, thedevice to be utilized for the disinfection and sterilization of agastro-intestinal (GI) scope further includes a plurality of biopsychannel and suction connector plug covers, wherein one of the pluralityof biopsy channel and suction connector plug covers is operativelyconnected to a channel opening on the control section and another of theplurality of biopsy channel and suction connector plug covers isoperatively connected to the suction connector.

In another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, thedevice to be utilized for the disinfection and sterilization of agastro-intestinal (GI) scope further includes a gastro-intestinal (GI)scope/UV light source assembly hanger assembly, and a gastro-intestinal(GI) scope storage assembly located adjacent to the gastro-intestinal(GI) scope/UV light source assembly hanger assembly.

In another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assembly hanger assemblyfurther includes a bracket, a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV lightsource assembly support operatively connected to the bracket, and abracket extension operatively connected to an end of the bracket.

In another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, thedevice to be utilized for the disinfection and sterilization of agastro-intestinal (GI) scope further includes an external UV lightsource assembly such that the external UV light source assemblysubstantially surrounds the UV insertion tube assembly and the exteriorof the insertion tube.

A third aspect of the present invention is a method of constructinggastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection and sterilization device,including the steps of: providing a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope with aninsertion tube having a first end and a second end, a control sectionsuch that the second end of the insertion tube is operatively connectedto the control section, a universal cord having a first end and a secondend such that the first end of the universal cord is operativelyconnected to the control section and the second end of the insertiontube is operatively connected to a suction connector; and providing anultraviolet (UV) light assembly, wherein the UV light assembly furtherincludes; a power source, a first electrical extension operativelyconnected to the power source, a UV light box operatively connected tothe first electrical extension, and first and second UV light sourcesoperatively connected to the UV light box, wherein each of the first andsecond UV light sources includes a first end and a second end, whereinthe first UV light source is located within an interior of the insertiontube and the second UV light source is located within an interior of theuniversal cord in order to disinfect and sterilize an interior of thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope.

In another embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, thestep of providing the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection andsterilization device further includes the step of providing a UVinsertion tube assembly such that the UV insertion tube assembly islocated over a portion of an exterior of the insertion tube in order todisinfect and sterilize a portion of an exterior of thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope.

In another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, thestep of providing the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection andsterilization device further includes the step of providing an externalUV light source assembly such that the external UV light source assemblysubstantially surrounds the UV insertion tube assembly and the exteriorof the insertion tube.

The preferred programmable device that can be used in conjunction with agastro-intestinal (GI) scope, wherein the device is capable ofdisinfecting and sterilizing the GI scope by utilizing a programmableultraviolet (UV) light source for the purposes of disinfecting andsterilizing the interior of the scope lumen and a portion of theexterior of the scope, according to various embodiments of the presentinvention, offers the following advantages: ease of use; lightness inweight; durability; ease of disinfection of the interior of the scopelumen; ease of disinfection of a portion of the exterior of the scope;the ability to store the disinfected/sterilized scope; the ability tosterilize the interior of the scope lumen; the ability to sterilize aportion of the exterior of the scope and compactness. In fact, in manyof the preferred embodiments, these advantages are optimized to anextent that is considerably higher than heretofore achieved in prior,known gastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features and steps of the invention and the mannerof attaining them will become apparent, and the invention itself will bebest understood by reference to the following description of theembodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like characters represent like parts throughout theseveral views and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the ultra-violet (UV) light sourceassembly having a UV light source, constructed according the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a UV light source, according thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a UV transparent insertion tubesleeve, constructed according the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a biopsy channel and suctionconnector plug cover, constructed according the present invention;

FIG. 5a is a schematic illustration of a conventional gastro-intestinal(GI) scope, according to the prior art;

FIG. 5b is a schematic illustration of the gastro-intestinal (GI) scopewith the UV light sources being located within the insertion tube andthe universal cord and the covers attached, constructed according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a first hanger for holding aprogrammable device that can be used in conjunction with agastro-intestinal (GI) scope, wherein the device is capable ofdisinfecting and sterilizing the GI scope, constructed according thepresent invention; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a second hanger for storing agastro-intestinal (GI) scope that has been disinfected and sterilized,constructed according the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In order to address the shortcomings of the prior, knowngastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection systems, reference is made nowto FIGS. 1-7, where there is illustrated a programmable device 2 thatcan be used in conjunction with a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300,wherein the device 2 is capable of disinfecting and sterilizing the GIscope 300 by utilizing programmable ultraviolet (UV) light sources forthe purposes of disinfecting and sterilizing the interior lumen of thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 and a portion of the exterior of thescope. As will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, theprogrammable device 2 that can be used in conjunction with agastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 is capable of being programmed so as todisinfect/sterilize the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 at desiredtimes and/or dates. Also, the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 can bestored for future use after the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 hasbeen disinfected/sterilized. Finally, the programmable device 2 that canbe used in conjunction with a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 iscapable of disinfecting/sterilizing the interior of thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 and a portion of the exterior of thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300.

As shown in FIG. 1-7, there is illustrated programmable device 2 thatcan be used in conjunction with a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300,wherein the device 2 is capable of disinfecting and sterilizing the GIscope 300 by utilizing programmable ultraviolet (UV) light sources forthe purposes of disinfecting and sterilizing the interior and a portionof the exterior of the scope. Programmable device 2 includes, in part,ultraviolet (UV) light source assembly 50 (FIG. 1), UV light sources 62,68 (FIGS. 2-4), UV insertion tube assembly 200 (FIG. 5), biopsy channeland suction connector plug cover assembly 250 (FIG. 6), conventionalgastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 (FIG. 7a ), gastro-intestinal (GI)scope/UV light source assembly hanger assembly 350 (FIG. 8),gastro-intestinal (GI) scope storage assembly 400 (FIG. 9) and externalUV light source assembly 450 (FIGS. 8 and 9).

Ultraviolet (UV) Light Source Assembly

With respect to ultraviolet (UV) light source assembly 50, as shown inFIG. 1, UV light source assembly 50 includes, in part, conventionalelectrical connector 52, conventional electrical extension 54,conventional UV light box 56, conventional fiber optic (UV light source)extension 58, conventional fiber optic connector 60, UV light source 62,conventional fiber optic (UV light source) extension 64, conventionalfiber optic connector 66, UV light source 68, conventional power source70 and conventional programmable timer 72. It is to be understood thatconventional electrical connector 52 is used to connect UV light sourceassembly 50 to a conventional power source 70 such as an AC powersource. Furthermore, it is to be understood that conventional fiberoptic connector 60 and 66 are used to easily and quickly connect the UVlight source 62 and the UV light source 68, respectively, toconventional fiber optic extension 58 and conventional fiber opticextension 64. However, it is to be further understood that the UV lightsource 62 and the UV light source 68 can be connected directly to the UVlight box 56 and still perform in substantially the same manner. In anyevent, UV light source assembly 50 is used to provide UV light to theinterior and a portion of the exterior of the gastro-intestinal (GI)scope 300 in order to disinfect/sterilize the interior and a portion ofthe exterior of the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300, as will bedescribed in greater detail later. It is to be understood thatconventional UV light box 56 can be equipped with a fan (not shown) sothat the fan can be used to conventionally cool UV light source 62 andUV light source 68 and to keep the lumens of gastro-intestinal (GI)scope 300 dry.

UV Light Sources

Regarding UV light sources 62, 68, as shown in FIG. 2, UV light sources62, 68 include, in part, UV light 100 having tube 102 and a plurality ofUV lights 104 located on the tube 102 (FIG. 2). Preferably, tube 102 isconstructed of any suitable, durable, flexible, UV resistant polymericmaterial. It is to be understood that UV lights 104 should be located ontube 102 so as to provide the maximum amount of UV light when the UVlights are activated.

UV Insertion Tube Assembly

Regarding UV insertion tube assembly 200, as shown in FIG. 3, UVinsertion tube assembly 200 includes, in part, UV insertion tube 202,boot connector 204, boot clamp 206, insertion tube distal tip connector208 and insertion tube distal tip clamps 210. Preferably, UV insertiontube 202, boot connector 204, boot clamp 206, insertion tube distal tipconnector 208 and insertion tube distal tip clamps 210 are constructedof any suitable, durable, flexible, UV transparent material.

As will be described in greater detail later, another unique aspect ofthe present invention is the use of UV insertion tube assembly 200. Inparticular, after UV light source 62 has been placed within insertiontube 302 in order to subsequently disinfect/sterilize the interior ofinsertion tube 302, UV insertion tube assembly 200 is placed overinsertion tube 302 so as to be able to subsequently disinfect/sterilizea portion of the exterior of insertion tube 302, as will be discussed ingreater detail later.

Biopsy Channel and Suction Connector Plug Cover Assembly

With respect to biopsy channel and suction connector plug cover assembly250, as shown in FIG. 4, biopsy channel and suction connector plug coverassembly 250 includes, in part, biopsy channel and suction connectorplug cover 252. Preferably, biopsy channel and suction connector plugcover 252 is constructed of any suitable, durable, flexible, UVresistant polymeric material.

A further unique aspect of the present invention is biopsy channel andsuction connector plug cover assembly 250. In particular, after UV lightsource 62 has been placed within insertion tube 302 (FIG. 5a ) in orderto subsequently disinfect/sterilize the interior of insertion tube 302and UV light source 68 has been placed within universal cord 318 inorder to subsequently disinfect/sterilize the interior of universal cord318, biopsy channel and suction connector plug cover assemblies 250 areused to cover biopsy channel 308 and suction connector 320 (FIGS. 5a and5b ), respectively, as will be described in greater detail later. Inthis manner, the interiors of insertion tube 302 and universal cord 318can be protected from having unwanted contaminants entering theinteriors of insertion tube 302 and universal cord 318.

Gastro-Intestinal (GI) Scope

Regarding conventional gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300, as shown inFIG. 5a , conventional gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 includes, inpart, insertion tube 302, distal tip 304, insertion tube stiffnesscontrol 306, boot 307, biopsy channel opening 308, biopsy valve 310,control section 312, right/left angulation lock 314, suction portchannel 315, right/left angulation knob 316, universal cord 318, suctionconnector 320, video processor connection 322, air supply connector 324,water supply connector 326, light source connector 328, light guide 330,quartz lens 332, and air pipe 334.

Another unique aspect of the present invention is the insertion of theUV light sources 62, 68 into the insertion tube 302 and the universalcord 318, respectively, of the conventional gastro-intestinal (GI) scope300, as shown in FIG. 5b . As will be described in greater detail later,UV light source 62 is placed in insertion tube 302 by sliding UV lightsource 62 through distal tip 304 until UV light source 62 contactsbiopsy channel opening 308. A biopsy channel and suction connector plugcover 252 is then placed over biopsy channel opening 308 (FIG. 5b ) inorder to protect the end of UV light source 62 that contacts biopsychannel opening 308. An insertion tube distal tip connector 208 andinsertion tube distal tip clamps 210 (FIG. 3) are then used to protectthe end of the UV light source 62 that is located near distal tip 304,as will be discussed in greater detail later. In this manner, theinterior of insertion tube 302 which now includes UV light source 62 issubstantially sealed so that contaminants cannot enter the interior ofinsertion tube 302 and/or contact UV light source 62. Similarly, UVlight source 68 is placed in universal cord 318 by sliding UV lightsource 68 through suction port channel 315 until UV light source 68contacts suction connector 320. A biopsy channel and suction connectorplug cover 252 is then placed over suction connector 320 (FIG. 5b ) inorder to protect the end of UV light source 68 that contacts suctionconnector 320. UV light sources 62 and 68 are then conventionallyconnected to UV light source assembly 50 in order to activate UV lightsources 62 and 68, as will be described in greater detail later.

Hanger Assemblies

With respect to hanger assembly 350 and storage assembly 400, as shownin FIGS. 6 and 7, gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assemblyhanger assembly 350 (FIG. 6) includes, in part, bracket 352,gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assembly support 354,bracket extension 356 and fasteners 358. Preferably, bracket 352,bracket extension 356 and fasteners 358 are constructed of any suitable,durable, high strength material. It is to be understood that bracketextension 356 and fasteners 358 are used to firmly securegastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assembly hanger assembly350 and gastro-intestinal (GI) scope storage assembly 400 to a solidsurface such as a wall, a door or other similar surface. A unique aspectof gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assembly hanger assembly350 is the use of gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assemblysupport 354. In particular, gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light sourceassembly support 354 is used to support programmable device 2 that canbe used in conjunction with a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 whileprogrammable device 2 is used to disinfect/sterilize gastro-intestinal(GI) scope 300, as will be discussed in greater detail later.

With respect to gastro-intestinal (GI) scope storage assembly 400 (FIG.7), gastro-intestinal (GI) scope storage assembly 400 includes, in part,gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assembly support 402. It isto be understood that preferably gastro-intestinal (GI) scope storageassembly 400 and gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assemblyhanger assembly 350 are constructed to be substantially connectedtogether or, at the least, located within a close proximity to eachother. In this manner, once gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 has beeninstalled with programmable device 2 on gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UVlight source assembly hanger assembly 350, gastro-intestinal (GI) scope300 can then be quickly and easily moved to gastro-intestinal (GI) scopestorage assembly 400 where the disinfected/sterilized gastro-intestinal(GI) scope 300 can be disinfected/sterilized with programmable device 2and subsequently stored to future use, as will described in greaterdetail later.

External UV Light Source Assembly

Regarding external UV light source assembly 450, as shown in FIGS. 6 and7, external UV light source assembly 450 includes, in part, UV lightsource panels 452 and 456, panel hinge 458, conventional UV lights 460and conventional external UV light source hanger 462. Preferably, UVlight source panels 452 and 456, panel hinge 458, and external UV lightsource hanger 462 are constructed of any suitable, durable, highstrength, UV resistant material. It is to be understood that panel hinge458 is used to connect and allow UV light source panels 452 and 456 tohingedly open and close, as will be discussed in greater detail later.Also, it is to be understood that conventional UV lights 460 are locatedalong the length of UV light source panels 452 and 456 and UV lights 460are conventionally attached to the inside of UV light source panels 452and 456 by fasteners, adhesives or the like. It is to be furtherunderstood that conventional external UV light source hanger 462 isshown as being a wire that holds the UV light source panels 452 and 456on the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assembly support 402of gastro-intestinal (GI) scope storage assembly 400. However, othersuitable hangers can be used so long as the hanger is capable ofadequately holding UV light source panels 452 and 456 ongastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assembly support 402 andallow UV light source panels 452 and 456 to easily open and close alonghinge 456. Finally, it is to be understood that UV light source panels452 and 456 are conventionally connected to programmable timer 72 sothat the activation of UV light source panels 452 and 456 can beprogrammed in a manner that is similar to the programming of UV lightsource 62 and UV light source 68.

Construction of the Programmable Device that Can be Used in Conjunctionwith a Gastro-intestinal (GI) Scope

In order to construct programmable device 2 that can be used inconjunction with a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300, attention isdirected to FIGS. 1-7. As discussed earlier, UV light source 62 isplaced in insertion tube 302 by sliding UV light source 62 throughdistal tip 304 until UV light source 62 contacts biopsy channel opening308 (FIG. 5b ). It is to be understood that the UV light source 62 canalso be placed in insertion tube 302 by sliding UV light source 62through biopsy channel opening 308 until UV light source 62 contactsdistal tip 304. A biopsy channel and suction connector plug cover 252 isthen placed over biopsy channel opening 308 (FIG. 7b ) in order toprotect the end of UV light source 62 that contacts biopsy channelopening 308. Similarly, UV light source 68 is placed in universal cord318 by sliding UV light source 68 through suction port channel 315 untilUV light source 68 contacts suction connector 320 (FIG. 5b ). A biopsychannel and suction connector plug cover 252 is then placed over suctionconnector 320 (FIG. 5b ) in order to protect the end of UV light source68 that contacts suction connector 320. UV light sources 62 and 68 arethen conventionally connected to UV light source assembly 50 in order toactivate UV light sources 62 and 68, as previously discussed.

After UV light source 62 has been located within insertion tube 302 andUV light source 68 has been located within universal cord 318, UVinsertion tube assembly 200 is placed over insertion tube 302 so as tobe able to subsequently disinfect/sterilize a portion of the exterior ofinsertion tube 302. In particular, UV insertion tube assembly 200 isplaced over insertion tube 302 so that boot connector 204 (FIG. 3)contacts boot 307 (FIG. 5b ). Boot clamp 206 is then used to secure bootconnector 204 to boot 307 (FIG. 6). Insertion tube distal tip connector208 is located adjacent to distal tip 304 and the end of UV light source62 that is located adjacent to distal tip 304. Distal tip clamps 210 arethen used to secure insertion tube distal tip connector 208 to distaltip 304 and the end of UV light source 62. The UV light source assembly50 can then be conventionally connected to the end of UV light source 62that extends out of distal tip 304 and insertion tube distal tipconnector 208 in order to activate UV light source 62.

Operation of the Programmable Device 2 that can be Used in Conjunctionwith a Gastro-Intestinal (GI) Scope

Once UV light source 62 has been located within insertion tube 302, UVlight source 68 has been located within universal cord 318, and UVinsertion tube assembly 200 is placed over insertion tube 302, theprogrammable device 2 is then placed on gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UVlight source assembly hanger assembly 350 such that control section 312is supported by gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assemblysupport 354. It is to be understood that UV insertion tube assembly 200can be placed over insertion tube 302 after programmable device 2 hasbeen placed on gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assemblyhanger assembly 350.

In order to sterilize/disinfect gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300,gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 which now includes UV light source 62that has been located within insertion tube 302, UV light source 68 thathas been located within universal cord 318 and UV insertion tubeassembly 200 that is placed over insertion tube 302 is moved togastro-intestinal (GI) scope storage assembly 400 (FIG. 7). As discussedabove, UV light source panels 452 and 456 are rotated around panel hinge458 so that UV light source panels 452 and 456 substantially surroundthe area where UV insertion tube assembly 200 is placed over insertiontube 302. Finally, UV light source 62 and UV light source 68 areconnected to UV light box 56 and UV light source panels 452 and 456 areconnected to programmable timer 72, as previously discussed.

Once the UV light source panels 452 and 456 have been located around thearea where UV insertion tube assembly 200 is placed over insertion tube302 and connected to programmable timer 72 and UV light source 62 and UVlight source 68 have been connected to UV light box 56 (and thenprogrammable timer 72), the end user can use programmable timer 72(FIG. 1) to program the amount of time that UV light source panels 452and 456 and UV light sources 62 and 68 can be activated in order tosterilize and disinfect gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300. For example,if the UV light source panels 452 and 456 and UV light sources 62 and 68are activated for a predetermined amount of time and/or for apredetermined amount of UV exposure, this exposure time has been shownto adequately disinfect the interior of the insertion tube 302 anduniversal cord 318 and a portion of the exterior of insertion tube 302.However, if it is desired to also sanitize the interior of the insertiontube 302 and universal cord 318 and a portion of the exterior ofinsertion tube 302, the UV light source panels 452 and 456 and UV lightsources 62 and 68 can be activated for a longer amount of time and/orfor a longer predetermined amount of UV exposure. In particular, thetime it takes for complete sterilization could take up to 30 minutes.Also, the closer the UV light is to gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300,the faster it sterilizes gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 with the knownfactor being that the intensity of the light plays a big role in theability to sterilize the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300.

A still another unique aspect of the present invention is thatprogrammable timer 72 can also be programmed to activate the UV lightsource panels 452 and 456 and UV light sources 62 and 68 at any desiredtime and for any desired activation period. For example, theconventional timing device 72 can be connected to the programmabledevice 2 in order that the programmable device 2 can be turnedoff/turned on at a desired date and/or for a desired time. Inparticular, if the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 has been previouslydisinfected/sanitized but a predetermined period of time has elapsedsince the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope 300 was disinfected/sanitized,the programmable timer 72 can also be programmed to re-activate the UVlight source panels 452 and 456 and UV light sources 62 and 68 at anydesired time interval and for any desired activation period.Furthermore, the end user can program programmable device 2 so as toactivate the UV light source panels 452 and 456 and UV light sources 62and 68 at a later time.

The preceding merely illustrates the principles of the invention. Itwill thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able todevise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described orshown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are includedwithin its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and conditionallanguage recited herein are principally intended expressly to be onlyfor pedagogical purposes and to aid the reader in understanding theprinciples of the invention and the concepts contributed by theinventors to furthering the art and are to be construed as being withoutlimitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions.Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, andembodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, areintended to encompass both structural and functional equivalentsthereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include bothcurrently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future,i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardlessof structure.

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read inconnection with the figures of the accompanying drawing, which are to beconsidered part of the entire written description. In the description,relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”“above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well asderivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,”etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then describedor as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms arefor convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus beconstructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerningattachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and“interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are securedor attached to one another either directly or indirectly throughintervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments orrelationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

All patents, publications, scientific articles, web sites, and otherdocuments and materials referenced or mentioned herein are indicative ofthe levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the inventionpertains, and each such referenced document and material is herebyincorporated by reference to the same extent as if it had beenincorporated by reference in its entirety individually or set forthherein in its entirety.

The applicant reserves the right to physically incorporate into thisspecification any and all materials and information from any suchpatents, publications, scientific articles, web sites, electronicallyavailable information, and other referenced materials or documents tothe extent such incorporated materials and information are notinconsistent with the description herein.

The written description portion of this patent includes all claims.Furthermore, all claims, including all original claims as well as allclaims from any and all priority documents, are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety into the written description portion of thespecification, and Applicant(s) reserve the right to physicallyincorporate into the written description or any other portion of theapplication, any and all such claims. Thus, for example, under nocircumstances may the patent be interpreted as allegedly not providing awritten description for a claim on the assertion that the precisewording of the claim is not set forth in haec verba in writtendescription portion of the patent.

The claims will be interpreted according to law. However, andnotwithstanding the alleged or perceived ease or difficulty ofinterpreting any claim or portion thereof, under no circumstances mayany adjustment or amendment of a claim or any portion thereof duringprosecution of the application or applications leading to this patent beinterpreted as having forfeited any right to any and all equivalentsthereof that do not form a part of the prior art.

All of the features disclosed in this specification may be combined inany combination. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described inconjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoingdescription is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of theinvention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Thus,from the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specificembodiments of the invention have been described herein for the purposeof illustration, various modifications may be made without deviatingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Other aspects, advantages,and modifications are within the scope of the following claims and thepresent invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

The specific methods and compositions described herein arerepresentative of preferred embodiments and are exemplary and notintended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Other objects,aspects, and embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art uponconsideration of this specification and are encompassed within thespirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claims. It willbe readily apparent to one skilled in the art that varying substitutionsand modifications may be made to the invention disclosed herein withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention. The inventionillustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element or elements, or limitation or limitations, which is notspecifically disclosed herein as essential. Thus, for example, in eachinstance herein, in embodiments or examples of the present invention,the terms “comprising”, “including”, “containing”, etc. are to be readexpansively and without limitation. The methods and processesillustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in differingorders of steps, and that they are not necessarily restricted to theorders of steps indicated herein or in the claims.

The terms and expressions that have been employed are used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation, and there is no intent in the use ofsuch terms and expressions to exclude any equivalent of the featuresshown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized thatvarious modifications are possible within the scope of the invention asclaimed. Thus, it will be understood that although the present inventionhas been specifically disclosed by various embodiments and/or preferredembodiments and optional features, any and all modifications andvariations of the concepts herein disclosed that may be resorted to bythose skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of thisinvention as defined by the appended claims.

The invention has been described broadly and generically herein. Each ofthe narrower species and sub-generic groupings falling within thegeneric disclosure also form part of the invention. This includes thegeneric description of the invention with a proviso or negativelimitation removing any subject matter from the genus, regardless ofwhether or not the excised material is specifically recited herein.

It is also to be understood that as used herein and in the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referenceunless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the term “X and/or Y”means “X” or “Y” or both “X” and “Y”, and the letter “s” following anoun designates both the plural and singular forms of that noun. Inaddition, where features or aspects of the invention are described interms of Markush groups, it is intended and those skilled in the artwill recognize, that the invention embraces and is also therebydescribed in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members ofthe Markush group.

Other embodiments are within the following claims. Therefore, the patentmay not be interpreted to be limited to the specific examples orembodiments or methods specifically and/or expressly disclosed herein.Under no circumstances may the patent be interpreted to be limited byany statement made by any Examiner or any other official or employee ofthe Patent and Trademark Office unless such statement is specificallyand without qualification or reservation expressly adopted in aresponsive writing by Applicants.

Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplaryembodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claimsshould be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodimentsof the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the inventionas claimed. Accordingly, the description hereinabove is not intended tolimit the invention, except as indicated in the appended claims.

Therefore, provided herein is a new and improved programmable devicethat can be used in conjunction with a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope,wherein the device is capable of disinfecting and sterilizing the GIscope by utilizing a programmable ultraviolet (UV) light source for thepurposes of disinfecting and sterilizing the interior and a portion ofthe exterior of the scope lumen. The preferred programmable device thatcan be used in conjunction with a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope, whereinthe device is capable of disinfecting and sterilizing the GI scope byutilizing a programmable ultraviolet (UV) light source for the purposesof disinfecting and sterilizing the interior and a portion of theexterior of the scope lumen, according to various embodiments of thepresent invention, offers the following advantages: ease of use;lightness in weight; durability; ease of disinfection of the interior ofthe scope lumen; ease of disinfection of a portion of the exterior ofthe scope lumen; the ability to store the disinfected/sterilized scope;the ability to sterilize the interior of the scope lumen; the ability tosterilize a portion of the exterior of the scope lumen; and compactness.In fact, in many of the preferred embodiments, these advantages of easeof use, lightness in weight, durability, ease of disinfection of theinterior of the scope lumen, ease of disinfection of a portion of theexterior of the scope lumen, the ability to store thedisinfected/sterilized scope, the ability to sterilize the interior ofthe scope lumen, the ability to sterilize a portion of the exterior ofthe scope lumen, and compactness are optimized to an extent that isconsiderably higher than heretofore achieved in prior, knowngastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection systems.

I claim:
 1. A gastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection andsterilization device, comprising: a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope havingan insertion tube having a first end and a second end, a control sectionsuch that the second end of the insertion tube is operatively connectedto the control section, a universal cord having a first end and a secondend such that the first end of the universal cord is operativelyconnected to the control section and the second end of the insertiontube is operatively connected to a suction connector; and an ultraviolet(UV) light assembly, wherein the UV light assembly is further comprisedof; a power source, a first electrical extension operatively connectedto the power source, a UV light box operatively connected to the firstelectrical extension, and first and second UV light sources operativelyconnected to the UV light box, wherein each of the first and second UVlight sources includes a first end and a second end, wherein the firstUV light source is located within an interior of the insertion tube andthe second UV light source is located within an interior of theuniversal cord in order to disinfect and sterilize an interior of thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope and wherein each of the first and second UVlight sources is further comprised of a UV light having a tube and aplurality of UV lights located on the tube.
 2. The gastro-intestinal(GI) scope disinfection and sterilization device, according to claim 1,wherein the ultraviolet (UV) light assembly is further comprised of: aplurality of UV light source extensions such that one of the pluralityof UV light source extensions is operatively connected to the UV lightbox and the first UV light source and the other of the plurality of UVlight source extensions is operatively connected to the UV light box andthe second UV light source.
 3. The gastro-intestinal (GI) scopedisinfection and sterilization device, according to claim 1, wherein thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection and sterilization device isfurther comprised of: a UV insertion tube assembly located over aportion of an exterior of the insertion tube in order to disinfect andsterilize a portion of an exterior of the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope.4. The gastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection and sterilizationdevice, according to claim 3, wherein the UV insertion tube assembly isfurther comprised of: an UV insertion tube having a first end and asecond end such that the UV insertion tube is located over the portionof the exterior of the insertion tube; a boot connector operativelyconnected to the first end of the UV insertion tube; and an insertiontube distal tip connector operatively connected to the second end of theUV insertion tube.
 5. The gastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection andsterilization device, according to claim 3, wherein thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection and sterilization device isfurther comprised of: an external UV light source assembly such that theexternal UV light source assembly substantially surrounds the UVinsertion tube assembly and the exterior of the insertion tube.
 6. Thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection and sterilization device,according to claim 1, wherein the gastro-intestinal (GI) scopedisinfection and sterilization device is further comprised of: aplurality of biopsy channel and suction connector plug covers, whereinone of the plurality of biopsy channel and suction connector plug coversis operatively connected to a channel opening on the control section andanother of the plurality of biopsy channel and suction connector plugcovers is operatively connected to the suction connector.
 7. Thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection and sterilization device,according to claim 1, wherein the gastro-intestinal (GI) scopedisinfection and sterilization device is further comprised of: agastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assembly hanger assembly;and a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope storage assembly located adjacent tothe gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assembly hangerassembly.
 8. The gastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection andsterilization device, according to claim 7, wherein thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assembly hanger assembly isfurther comprised of: a bracket; a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV lightsource assembly support operatively connected to the bracket; and abracket extension operatively connected to an end of the bracket.
 9. Adevice to be utilized for the disinfection and sterilization of agastro-intestinal (GI) scope, comprising: a gastro-intestinal (GI) scopehaving an insertion tube having a first end and a second end, a controlsection such that the second end of the insertion tube is operativelyconnected to the control section, a universal cord having a first endand a second end such that the first end of the universal cord isoperatively connected to the control section and the second end of theinsertion tube is operatively connected to a suction connector, anultraviolet (UV) light assembly, wherein the UV light assembly isfurther comprised of; a power source, a first electrical extensionoperatively connected to the power source, a UV light box operativelyconnected to the first electrical extension, and first and second UVlight sources operatively connected to the UV light box, wherein each ofthe first and second UV light sources includes a first end and a secondend, wherein the first UV light source is located within an interior ofthe insertion tube and the second UV light source is located within aninterior of the universal cord in order to disinfect and sterilize aninterior of the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope and wherein each of thefirst and second UV light sources is further comprised of a UV lighthaving a tube and a plurality of UV lights located on the tube; and a UVinsertion tube assembly located over a portion of an exterior of theinsertion tube in order to disinfect and sterilize a portion of anexterior of the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope.
 10. The device to beutilized for the disinfection and sterilization of a gastro-intestinal(GI) scope, according to claim 9, wherein the ultraviolet (UV) lightassembly is further comprised of: a plurality of UV light sourceextensions such that one of the plurality of UV light source extensionsis operatively connected to the UV light box and the first UV lightsource and the other of the plurality of UV light source extensions isoperatively connected to the UV light box and the second UV lightsource.
 11. The device to be utilized for the disinfection andsterilization of a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope, according to claim 9,wherein the UV insertion tube assembly is further comprised of: an UVinsertion tube having a first end and a second end such that the UVinsertion tube is located over the portion of the exterior of theinsertion tube; a boot connector operatively connected to the first endof the UV insertion tube; and an insertion tube distal tip connectoroperatively connected to the second end of the UV insertion tube. 12.The device to be utilized for the disinfection and sterilization of agastro-intestinal (GI) scope, according to claim 9, wherein the deviceto be utilized for the disinfection and sterilization of agastro-intestinal (GI) scope is further comprised of: a plurality ofbiopsy channel and suction connector plug covers, wherein one of theplurality of biopsy channel and suction connector plug covers isoperatively connected to a channel opening on the control section andanother of the plurality of biopsy channel and suction connector plugcovers is operatively connected to the suction connector.
 13. The deviceto be utilized for the disinfection and sterilization of agastro-intestinal (GI) scope, according to claim 9, wherein the deviceto be utilized for the disinfection and sterilization of agastro-intestinal (GI) scope is further comprised of: agastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assembly hanger assembly;and a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope storage assembly located adjacent tothe gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assembly hangerassembly.
 14. The device to be utilized for the disinfection andsterilization of a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope, according to claim 13,wherein the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope/UV light source assembly hangerassembly is further comprised of: a bracket; a gastro-intestinal (GI)scope/UV light source assembly support operatively connected to thebracket; and a bracket extension operatively connected to an end of thebracket.
 15. The device to be utilized for the disinfection andsterilization of a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope, according to claim 9,wherein the device to be utilized for the disinfection and sterilizationof a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope is further comprised of: an externalUV light source assembly such that the external UV light source assemblysubstantially surrounds the UV insertion tube assembly and the exteriorof the insertion tube.
 16. A method of constructing gastro-intestinal(GI) scope disinfection and sterilization device, comprising the stepsof: providing a gastro-intestinal (GI) scope with an insertion tubehaving a first end and a second end, a control section such that thesecond end of the insertion tube is operatively connected to the controlsection, a universal cord having a first end and a second end such thatthe first end of the universal cord is operatively connected to thecontrol section and the second end of the insertion tube is operativelyconnected to a suction connector, and providing an ultraviolet (UV)light assembly, wherein the UV light assembly is further comprised of; apower source, a first electrical extension operatively connected to thepower source, a UV light box operatively connected to the firstelectrical extension, and first and second UV light sources operativelyconnected to the UV light box, wherein each of the first and second UVlight sources includes a first end and a second end, wherein the firstUV light source is located within an interior of the insertion tube andthe second UV light source is located within an interior of theuniversal cord in order to disinfect and sterilize an interior of thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope and wherein each of the first and second UVlight sources is further comprised of a UV light having a tube and aplurality of UV lights located on the tube.
 17. The method ofconstructing gastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection and sterilizationdevice, according to claim 16, wherein the step of providing thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection and sterilization device isfurther comprised of the step of: providing a UV insertion tube assemblysuch that the UV insertion tube assembly is located over a portion of anexterior of the insertion tube in order to disinfect and sterilize aportion of an exterior of the gastro-intestinal (GI) scope.
 18. Thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection and sterilization device,according to claim 17, wherein the step of providing thegastro-intestinal (GI) scope disinfection and sterilization device isfurther comprised of the step of: providing an external UV light sourceassembly such that the external UV light source assembly substantiallysurrounds the UV insertion tube assembly and the exterior of theinsertion tube.